Does Invisalign work the same way for teens as it does for adults?
Meet Dr. Stacie Morrison
Dr. Stacie Morrison, a proud Wyoming native, grew up in Cheyenne and began her journey in dentistry at the University of Wyoming before earning her dental degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. After practicing in her hometown for several years, she realized her heart belonged in Laramie's warm, close-knit community. Fueled by a dream to build her dental practice, she returned to Laramie to create a space where personalized, compassionate care thrives.
Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Morrison enjoys life with her husband Jake and their two sons, Lincoln and Lachlan. You'll often find her cheering on local teams, from Laramie High School to her alma mater, the University of Wyoming. A former college cheerleader herself, Dr. Morrison now channels that same spirit into helping patients achieve confident, healthy smiles, especially through her passion for Invisalign!
Introduction
Invisalign has become a buzzword in modern dentistry, offering a nearly invisible and flexible way to straighten teeth. It's popular with everyone, from working professionals to high schoolers. But do these clear aligners work the same way for teens and adults?
At Summit View Dentistry, Dr. Stacie Morrison's Invisalign for teens vs adults treatment plans are tailored with precision. As a Gold Invisalign Provider, she frequently treats teens and adults using Invisalign, and while the end goal is the same, a straighter, healthier smile, the approach, biological response, and lifestyle factors vary significantly between the two age groups.
Let's break it down.
The Foundation: How Invisalign Works
Invisalign is a custom series of clear aligners that apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position. These trays are designed using 3D scans, photos, and X-rays, then mapped through ClinCheck® software, a digital simulation of your tooth movement. You’ll wear each set 24 hours a day (except for cleaning).
This foundational process is consistent, whether you're 16 or 40. But everything around it? That's where the differences emerge.
Growth and Flexibility: The Teen Advantage
One of the most significant differences between treating teens and adults is growth. Teens are still developing their jaws and facial bones, making Invisalign treatment for teens with Dr. Stacie Morrison especially effective during this transitional phase. This means:
Faster tooth movement: In many cases, teeth move slightly faster in younger patients due to ongoing bone remodelling.
Opportunity for interceptive treatment: Invisalign can guide jaw development or prevent future complications.
Early correction: Misalignment can be corrected before it becomes more complex in adulthood.
In contrast, adults have fully developed jaws and slower cellular turnover, which can mean longer treatment timelines.
Bonus for Teens: Eruption Tabs
Invisalign Teen aligners can come with "eruption tabs," designed to hold space for molars that haven't fully come in yet. This unique feature is not necessary or available for adult treatments. For more information on how Invisalign benefits teens, check this page.
Motivation and Maturity: A Two-Way Street
Adults:
Generally highly motivated.
Understand the commitment involved.
More likely to follow rules like wearing aligners 24 hours a day or more.
Teens:
May need reminders or parental support to stay on track.
Peer influence might affect wear time (though many teens love the clean look).
May lose aligners more easily, especially during sports or lunch periods
That's why Invisalign Teen has a genius addition: compliance indicators and small blue dots that fade with consistent wear. It's a built-in accountability tool, allowing Dr. Morrison and parents to monitor progress subtly. Discover how Invisalign works for teens with Dr. Stacie Morrison through these smart features designed to encourage consistency.
Lifestyle Differences That Impact Treatment
School vs. Work
Teens may benefit from not having to deal with school pictures, dances, and presentations while wearing metal braces. Invisalign helps them maintain confidence during their formative years.
Adults often appreciate Invisalign because it blends seamlessly into professional environments. Meetings, presentations, and networking become less stressful when there's no metal in sight. Learn the differences in Invisalign treatment for teens from Dr. Stacie Morrison by comparing these lifestyle needs and treatment expectations.
Social Commitments
Teens might need extra aligners if they misplace them, while adults tend to be more careful. Summit View Dentistry offers guidance on handling lost trays and what to do in case of damage, regardless of age.
Customization and Technology
Dr. Stacie Morrison, a Gold Invisalign Provider, uses digital scans, photos, and X-rays to create precise 3D images of your teeth. These are used to design a customized Invisalign treatment plan using ClinCheck® software, which maps out each step of your smile transformation.
Teens:
May have treatment that evolves with tooth eruption.
Plans consider future growth.
Sometimes, it is paired with additional appliances.
Adults:
Plans may involve restorative work alongside Invisalign.
Often used in smile makeovers or cosmetic corrections.
Periodontal health and bone density are closely monitored.
Timeframes and Expectations
How long does Invisalign take? It depends on the complexity of the case, but generally:
Teens: Typically 6 to 12 months, thanks to more responsive bone movement during growth.
Adults: Usually 12 to 18 months, due to denser bone structure and more precise movements.
Both groups need regular check-ins with the dentist.
Orthodontic Needs: Severity of Case
Sometimes, the complexity of the misalignment determines whether Invisalign is suitable, especially in teens with more severe crowding, crossbites, or jaw development issues.
Dr. Morrison evaluates every case individually. Traditional braces may be a better option for complex skeletal adjustments in some situations, especially in younger teens. However, because Dr. Stacie Morrison is extensively trained in advanced Invisalign techniques, she can often customize treatment plans for teens based on their age, development, and specific dental needs, making Invisalign a highly effective solution in many cases.
Compliance and Responsibility: The Reality Check
Let's face it: no one's perfect.
Teens:
May forget to wear their aligners after lunch.
May "cheat" during weekends or vacations.
May struggle with consistent hygiene.
Adults:
Might underestimate how long 24 hours a day is.
Travel and lifestyle can impact compliance.
That's why Summit View Dentistry emphasizes personalized coaching and digital tracking using virtual check-ins or apps that remind users to switch trays and track wear time.
The Esthetics of Invisalign: Who Cares More?
Adults often choose Invisalign for its discretion, especially if they work in public-facing or professional roles. Teens, surprisingly, are also highly image-conscious but usually view Invisalign as "cool" compared to traditional braces. Get insights on Invisalign for teens compared to adults with Dr. Stacie Morrison by observing how esthetics and self-image influence treatment preferences.
Some teens even request Invisalign to avoid the "brace-face" stigma and maintain confidence during high school.
Cost and Coverage Considerations
Invisalign costs vary by case complexity and length of treatment. Summit View Dentistry offers flexible payment plans and insurance verification to help adults and teens get started.
Teens: May have coverage under family dental plans.
Adults: Often use FSAs or HSAs, or opt for third-party financing.
Remember: Cost should never be the barrier to a healthier smile. Dr. Morrison's team works with every patient to find a workable solution.
Maintenance and Hygien
Both adults and teens must brush after every meal before putting their aligners back in.
But the discipline? That's where age may make a difference.
Teens:
Need reminders to brush before reinserting aligners.
May neglect aligner cleaning.
Adults:
Tend to be more meticulous.
Often, buy special cleaning crystals or use aligner cleaning devices.
Dr. Morrison provides teens and adults with hygiene tips and a care kit during their Invisalign journey at Summit View Dentistry.
Emotional Impact and Confidence Boost
One of the most rewarding parts of Invisalign treatment is confidence transformation.
Teens blossom with newfound self-esteem in photos, social events, and school life.
Adults often say they smile more at work, social events, and in front of a camera.
No matter the age, the emotional boost is real and priceless.
Retainers and Aftercare
After Invisalign treatment, retainers are necessary for teens and adults alike. Dr. Morrison recommends wearing retainers every night to maintain your results.
Teens may need extra reinforcement since their bones are still developing.
Adults can often switch to fewer nights over time depending on their case.
Summit View Dentistry provides durable, custom retainers and detailed instructions for long-term retention.
FAQ’s
Q1: Is Invisalign safe for teenagers?
Yes. Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for growing mouths. It includes features like compliance indicators and eruption tabs to support development.
Q2: What if my teen loses their aligner?
No problem! Dr. Morrison's office provides replacement options and guidance on what to do next. Acting quickly helps avoid delays.
Q3: Can adults start Invisalign even if they have braces before?
Absolutely. Many adult patients at Summit View Dentistry use Invisalign to correct relapse or improve minor shifts that occurred post-braces.
Q4: Do teens need parental involvement during treatment?
Yes, especially in the early weeks. Parents help monitor wear time and aligner care. As teens grow more comfortable, they often take full responsibility.
Q5: How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
The best way is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stacie Morrison. She'll assess your teeth, goals, and suitability for Invisalign.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Morrison
So, does Invisalign work the same way for teens and adults?
Yes and no.
The science is the same, but the journey is personal.
Age brings different opportunities and challenges, but with proper planning, support, and technology, Invisalign delivers beautiful results at every stage of life.
#Voted Best Dentist in Laramie
Remember:
Whether you're a teen or an adult, the power of a confident smile never changes; only the journey to get there.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Stacie Morrison at Summit View Dentistry to learn more about Invisalign treatment.